Long considered one of the most devastating strikers on the international MMA scene, Melvin “Marvelous” Manhoef recently brought his unique skill set States-side in signing a multi-year agreement with the California-based Strikeforce promotion. Though he slipped up against both Gegard Mousasi and Paulo Filho, Manhoef finished Mark Hunt and Kazuo Misaki in the first round during his 2009 campaign, assuring that his relevance–and danger to future opponents–remains impossible to ignore. Currently scheduled to face off against former EliteXC Middleweight Champion Robbie Lawler on the main card of Strikeforce: Miami, Manhoef respectfully outlined his view that the 15 plus years of professional kickboxing experience he holds will weigh heavily in his favor during the fight. Though Manhoef was noncommittal on a prediction for the contest when reached for comment, he did promised “an explosive and spectacular fight” for fans in attendance.
Tapology’s Steven Kelliher recently caught up with Manhoef in order to get his thoughts on Lawler and his excitement for the bout, his current training with American Top Team, and his tentative plans for 2010.
Strikeforce: Miami takes place Saturday, January 30 from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida and airs live on Showtime.
Tapology: First, I wanted to ask if you could talk about your last fight against Kazuo Misaki. That was one of the biggest wins of your career, and you finished the fight in dominant fashion. How did you feel about your performance overall?
Manhoef: I feel real good about my victory. I stuck to my game plan and it worked out great. Of course beforehand I didn’t expect to win this quick but overall I’m very happy!
Tapology: You are obviously well-known in the kickboxing world, but you have had a lot of success in professional MMA. Your last four losses have come by way of submission, so what have you done recently in order to minimize the chances that you will be taken down and exploited on the ground against the more well-rounded fighters you will face?
Manhoef: I’ve been training a lot on my ground game the last few months. At the moment I’m training with ATT. I practice my ground skills with the guys over there to improve my skills even more.
I’ve been training at ATT for several years already. I try to come to Miami at least once a year for training. The guys here are real skilled and they teach me a lot. Because I have to fight in Miami this month, I decided to come to the States early and prepare for the fight at ATT.
Tapology: You are fighting Robbie Lawler at the Strikeforce: Miami card on January 30. Can you give your thoughts on Robbie and what dangers he might pose for you?
Manhoef: I just know Robbie is a strong fighter.
Tapology: Why are you going to come out on top in this striker vs. striker matchup?
Manhoef: Because I have 15 years of Muay Thai, K1 experience. I think this is where my advantage lies.
Tapology: Should you defeat Lawler, are there any names you would welcome a chance to fight in Strikeforce and do you plan on making this promotion your home for some time to come?
Manhoef: First I just focus on my fight against Lawler. There are no particular names on my mind for the future. I’ll fight anyone within reason. I most definitely want to keep on fighting with Strikeforce for a long time.
Tapology: You have been alternating kickboxing bouts with MMA bouts for several years now. How much longer is this going to continue and do you ever foresee a complete commitment to the sport of MMA when you will not be competing in kickboxing events?
Manhoef: I don’t know for how long I will continue this. Now that I get more offers for MMA matches, there is a chance I’m going to focus fully on MMA. But before my fight against Misaki I fought four kickboxing matches and became World Champion -85 kg. Therefore for now I will still combine the two disciplines.
Tapology: How many times would you like to fight in 2010 in MMA and are you looking to make a run for the middleweight belt in Strikeforce?
Manhoef: I always like to fight as much as possible. I hope to fight at least four or five MMA fights. And of course I want to win the middleweight title.
Tapology: Can we expect to see you competing for Dream in 2010, or is your Strikeforce deal exclusive?
Manhoef: I will fight in Strikeforce and Dream.
Tapology: Any comments you want to make regarding a possible move to the UFC sometime down the road?
Manhoef: At the moment that’s not on my mind. I’m very happy with Strikeforce and the K1 organization and I just focus on fighting.
Tapology: Any message for your fans heading into your fight against Lawler and your prediction for the fight?
Manhoef: I can just promise them I’ll give my all and that it will be an explosive and spectacular fight.
[...] Manhoef getting ready at ATT, knows he has striking advantage source interview – Manhoef Cites Experience as Deciding Factor Against Lawler [...]